Warwick University students relocated after accommodation fire

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Students at Warwick University have been “temporarily relocated” following a fire on Wednesday night.

The fire broke out around 8:40 pm in the Arthur Vick 1 accommodation, and students staying in the building were evacuated. There were no reported injuries, and firefighters left the scene by 7:15 am.

Rumours apparently went around the student body that the fire had started in a student’s room, but West Midlands Fire Service confirmed this was untrue. In a statement following an investigation, they said, “This was a fire that started in the kitchen on the second floor of a three-storey residential block of student accommodation,” and concluded the fire was accidental.

One student said, “You could smell the fire from the bus interchange,” the following morning.

It is unclear where these relocated students will stay in the long run, but for now, they have been placed in other accommodation buildings and given food vouchers and other necessities.

A University spokesperson said: "Building inspections will need to take place to fully assess the extent of the damage. Until this work has been completed students will be unable to return to their accommodation. A small number of students were escorted onto the site where it was safe to do so to collect essentials and valuable items. Students affected will remain in temporary emergency accommodation until further notice.

"The University is supporting those affected through a range of support measures. As always, the safety and wellbeing of our students remains our absolute priority."

University of Warwick

WMFS advised on how to prevent similar fires:

– Make sure you don’t get distracted when you’re cooking
– Take pans off the heat, or turn the heat down, if you need to leave the kitchen
– Make sure handles don’t stick out, so pans don’t get knocked off the hob
– Take care if you’re wearing loose clothing, which can easily catch fire, and keep tea towels and cloths a safe distance away from the cooker
– Never leave children alone in the kitchen
– Double-check the cooker is off when you’ve finished
– Don’t cook if you’ve been drinking alcohol or if you’ve taken medication that makes you drowsy.